Interiors & Decorating

Inspiration and advice on interior design, decorating styles, colour schemes and home aesthetics.

Wallpaper Removal: Part Two

15th July 2022

If it’s man or woman v wallpaper in your home right now, take five minutes to read this blog; it could just stop you from making an expensive and time-consuming mistake. Last week, we looked at the equipment you need and what you need to do to prepare for a wallpaper removal project. Now it’s time for the fun bit – time to get stripping!

Know the score

We know that in order to make it easier to get the wallpaper off, it helps to soften the adhesive with heat and water. However, penetrating that initial layer of paper so that the moisture can get to the adhesive underneath can be easier said than done. Scoring will puncture that surface layer so you can get the steam where it needs to be, without saturating the paper and the wall. This is especially important if you are removing painted or glossy wallpaper. Any sharp object can be used to score the paper, but you could be at risk of damaging the wall underneath. An orbital scorer will puncture the paper without damaging the wall, as long as you use it with care.

Full steam ahead

Remember that you are dealing with boiling water, so always think about safety. Make sure that you have a heat proof surface to rest the steamer on if you need to, and that you have heat resistant gloves to protect your hands. Once you are ready, fill your steamer – use warm water to make the steamer come to the boil more quickly. Don’t be impatient; wait until you see steam before you start, otherwise you will just leak water everywhere.

Starting at the bottom of the wallpaper, hold the steamer against the wallpaper for around ten seconds. As you move to the next section up, carefully peel away the damp paper underneath using the pallet knife. Keep working your way up, steaming and peeling as you go.

Be careful not to use too much steam; if you saturate the plaster, it could cause the plaster to crack, leaving you with serious damage. Stay alert for a popping noise, which indicates cracking plaster.

Clean up

Wallpaper stripping is a messy job – get rid of discarded paper as you go to avoid it piling up (and the risk of wallpaper being walked through the house). Once your walls are stripped, you may need to use wallpaper stripping fluid to remove stubborn pieces. Once you are done, wipe the walls down with a damp cloth, before drying it completely. Now, you are ready to decorate!

If the task seems too much, you may want to get a professional painter and decorator who will be able to provide a high-quality job that is guaranteed to last; check out our directory to find reliable decorators in your area. For more tips, follow Trust A Trader on Facebook or Twitter.

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Home Decorating: Wallpaper Removal

When it comes to home decorating, wallpaper removal can be a laborious task. And risky, too. Whether you are a seasoned pro or are dabbling in DIY for the first time, wallpaper removal is likely to go one of two ways. The success of the process depends on a range of factors including the technique and tools that you use, but the biggest factor is what type of surface you are removing your wallpaper from. Stripping wallpaper from drywall is challenging, but stripping walls that have been papered straight on plaster can be disastrous. Here’s what you need to know before you start.

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Looking for more interiors & decorating advice?

Find clear, practical answers to common interiors & decorating questions, helping homeowners understand everyday issues, know what checks they can carry out safely, and when it is best to contact a qualified professional.

What is the difference between a painter and a decorator?

A painter focuses on applying paint - walls, ceilings, woodwork. A decorator does all of that but also handles wallpaper, specialist finishes, surface prep, and can advise on colours and materials. Many professionals do both and call themselves painters and decorators. For a straightforward repaint, a painter is fine. If you want wallpaper, something specialist, or someone to help you make decisions about the finish, go with a decorator.
How many coats of paint does a professional decorator apply?

For most walls, it's a primer or mist coat, then two topcoats. New plaster, bare surfaces, or a big colour change might need more preparation or extra coats. Cutting corners on coats or using cheap paint are the most common ways to get a finish that looks fine at first and starts showing its age within a year. A trusted decorator always prepares the surface properly and won't rush between coats.
How do I prepare my home before a decorator arrives?

Move furniture away from the walls and take down pictures, mirrors, and anything fixed to the walls. If you can strip old wallpaper yourself beforehand, it'll save time on site. Make sure every part of the room is accessible and well-lit. Talk through surface prep with the decorator in advance - a good one will tell you exactly what they need before they can start.
How do I know if my walls need replastering before decorating?

If there are significant cracks, areas that sound hollow when you tap them, persistent damp, or large patches that are flaking or badly uneven - replastering first will give a much better result. Decorating over problem plaster looks fine initially but every imperfection tends to show through, especially with modern matt paints. A decorator can assess whether full replastering or careful preparation and skim coating will get you where you want to be.
What are the most popular interior design styles right now?

There's been a pretty clear shift away from the all-grey, everything-neutral look of the 2010s. Warmer tones are dominating - clay, terracotta, stone, off-white - with natural materials like linen, rattan, and solid timber replacing high-gloss finishes. Biophilic design (plants, natural light, organic shapes) has gone from trend to standard practice. There's also a real appetite for spaces that feel personal and collected rather than showroom-ready - bold wallpaper, layered textiles, and period features being celebrated rather than painted over.
How long does a full home decorating project typically take?

A single room in good condition typically takes a professional two to three days. A full house - particularly an older property that needs a little more care beforehand - can take several weeks. The part that often catches people off guard is the preparation: stripping wallpaper, filling, sanding, and priming all take a good amount of time, and doing them properly really does make all the difference to the finished result.

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